The National Assembly Committee on Education, chaired by Tinderet MP Hon. Julius Melly, has commenced a nationwide inspection of National Polytechnics, as part of their mandate in budget oversight to consider the efficiency of government-funded projects within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The inspection tours, aligned with the Committee’s mandate under the Financial Year 2023/2024 budget, seek to assess the implementation of development projects in selected National Polytechnics across the country. The Committee is also using the visits to gather critical feedback, identify challenges, and recommend corrective measures to ensure optimal utilization of public funds.

Objectives of the visit

In a meeting at Eldoret Polytechnic Committee Chair Hon. Julius Melly pointed out objectives of the inspection visits saying, ‘We are here because we have seen the challenges affecting our TVETS. These tours are intended to inform future budget scrutiny, including resource allocation and reallocation and inform legislative or policy direction if the Committee funds it’s necessary.’

Members conducted the visits in two sub-committees. One team led by the Tinderet MP and Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly conducted inspection visits at the Eldoret National Polytechnic and the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Uasin Gishu County.

The second sub-committee led by session chair Hon. Mary Emaase visited Rift Valley National Polytechnic in Nakuru County and Nyandarua National Polytechnic.

During the inspection at Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Teso South MP, Hon. Mary Emaase raised concerns over persistent delays in the disbursement of student capitation funds.

“The government has consistently released only half of the required funds each financial year, despite the Committee allocating the full budget. This underfunding undermines service delivery and student support in these vital institutions,” Hon. Emaase stated.

The Committee noted the funding shortfall to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The Treasury allocated Sh5.2 billion for TVET student capitation against a required Sh8.83 billion, leaving a significant deficit that affects the operations and quality of education.

Committee Members present included Hon. Rebecca Tonkei (Narok), Hon. Julius Taitumu (Igemebe North), Hon. Peter Orero (Kibra), Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) and Hon. Christine Ombaka (Siaya), Prof. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben), Hon. Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Hon. Dick Maungu (Luanda), and Hon. Abdul Haro (Mandera South), who echoed the call for timely and adequate funding to the polytechnics.

The Committee on Education is expected to continue inspection visits and prepare a comprehensive report to be tabled in National Assembly. The findings will inform future policy and funding decisions to strengthen TVET institutions